Killer whales, or orcas, currently at SeaWorld will be the last generation at the theme parks, the company announced Thursday morning.
SeaWorld Entertainment said it is ending all orca breeding as of Thursday.
In place of orca shows, the company will introduce new, natural orca encounters as part of its focus on education and marine science research. The new programs will focus on orca enrichment, exercise and overall health. The changes take effect at its San Diego park next year, followed by San Antonio and then Orlando in 2019. SeaWorld says the current population of orcas will live out the remainder of their lives at the company's park habitats. Guests will still be able to observe orcas in viewing areas within the parks' existing habitats.
Joel Manby, president and CEO of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., said Thursday that society's changing attitudes about captive killer whales influenced the company's decision.
"SeaWorld has introduced more than 400 million guests to orcas, and we are proud of our part in contributing to the human understanding of these animals," Manby said. "As society's understanding of orcas continues to change, SeaWorld is changing with it. By making this the last generation of orcas in our care and reimagining how guests will encounter these beautiful animals, we are fulfilling our mission of providing visitors to our parks with experiences that matter." SeaWorld also announced a partnership with the Humane Society of the United States.
The company is committing $50 million over the next five years toward its efforts in marine animal rescue and ending commercial killing of whales and seals.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued a response to SeaWorld's announcement:
"PETA has campaigned hard, and now there is a payoff for future generations of orcas — but today is the day to stop breeding, not sometime later this year," said Ingrid E. Newkirk, president of PETA. "SeaWorld must open its tanks to the oceans to allow the orcas it now holds captive to have some semblance of a life outside these prison tanks."
SeaWorld has faced criticism in recent years for it treatment of whales after the release of the documentary "Blackfish." The company has seen a decrease in attendance and declining profits at its parks.